This is just plain crazy stupid

As a friend of mine is fond of saying: “This is crazy stupid.” Next thing you know, people are going to start wondering if the Astros can catch the Cubs!

Just a few weeks ago, we were debating whether or not the Astros should play to protect their first round pick. Now the discussion turns to how many votes Cecil Cooper should get for Manager of the Year. And who’d have thought this summer that Ed Wade might warrant consideration for Executive of the Year?

That’s just crazy stupid!

Games Remaining for Contenders

Houston

Brewers

Cardinals

Phillies

Pirates (1)

—

Cubs (1)

—

Cubs (3)

Phillies (4)

Pirates (3)

Brewers (4)

Marlins (3)

Cubs (3)

Reds (3)

Braves (3)

Pirates (3)

Reds (3)

Cubs (3)

Marlins (3)

Reds (3)

Pirates (3)

D’backs (4)

Braves (3)

Braves (3)

Cubs (3)

Reds (3)

Nationals (3)

Now, Houston has the 9th best record in the majors and is tied for the fourth best mark in the National League. They just passed the Cardinals in the Wild Card chase and they’re tied with the Phillies. Only Milwaukee — threatening to match its 2007 freefall — stands between your favorite nine and a post-season berth.

Somebody wake me up. This is absolutely crazy stupid!

Last March, if I’d have told you that Darin Erstad and Mark Loretta would be hitting at the top of the order on September 10, Reggie Abercrombie would be in center, Jose Castillo at third and Humberto Quintero would be catching Brian Moehler, you’d have figured the Astros were just playing out the string.

Some string, huh?

While Cubs’ fans rally around Soriano, Lee, Ramirez and Fukudome, we’re here often talking about Erstad, Blum, Pence and Loretta. In Milwaukee all the talk is about Sabathia, Sheets, Suppan and Parra. Around these parts, it’s Oswalt, Wolf and Moehler.

Crazy stupid, no?

Cooper has used over 100 different lineups this season. Which one should he use if the Astros catch the Brew Crew and make the playoffs? Do you insert Matsui back into the lineup? Wiggy back to left? Blum/Castillo at third? Erstad in center?

Geez, get out the duct tape and rubberbands and bring along a couple of mirrors and a smoke machine. This is just crazy stupid!

Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed, a 90-win season needs only a 11-5 finish now.

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It’s the pitching stupid!

Yes, it’s the political season and a borrowed phrase, but no one can run a smear campaign against the Astros’ pitching staff right now.

The Astros have a major league best 2.32 ERA since August 26. In that span, the staff has allowed two or fewer runs in nine of 15 games, including no earned runs in five of those games.

The rotation owns a 2.04 ERA during that time.

No team can ask for more than Roy Oswalt, Randy Wolf and Brian Moehler have provided in recent weeks.

Oswalt has a streak of 23 1/3 straight innings without allowing a run.

Jose Valverde is on the verge of setting a new single-season saves record.

Moehler is arguably having his best season as a pro.

Players obviously like playing behind Wolf. The Astros are 8-1 when he pitches.

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…and defense…

The Astros have played a record 104 games this season without an error. Previously, the most errorless games in a season (102) happened in 2006.

Houston is almost certain to smash the previous record for errors in a season. They have made only 61 this season. The record for a full season is 80 (2006).

Tejada has carried his weight, Pence leads the league in outfield assists with 15 and even players like Castillo and David Newhan have made spectacular plays. Pitching and defense, friends. It’s pitching and defense.